How do I request a special education evaluation?

Short answer: Submit a formal written letter to your school district's Director of Special Education or principal stating, "I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation for my child to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA." Always keep a dated copy or send via certified mail.

In plain English: Don't just ask the teacher during pickup. The legal clock doesn't start ticking until you submit a request in writing. Email is okay; a physical letter sent "certified mail" is better.

Do I need to request an evaluation in writing?

Short answer: Yes. While verbal requests are technically valid in some areas, a written request triggers specific legal timelines under federal law (IDEA). Without a paper trail, the school can claim the request was never made.

If you have already asked verbally and nothing happened, do not wait. Submit a written request immediately. In the letter, you can mention, "As we discussed on [Date]..." to document your previous attempts.

What should I say in an evaluation request letter?

Short answer: State clearly that you suspect your child has a disability and needs a comprehensive evaluation. List specific areas of concern (reading, behavior, social skills) and explicitly request testing in all suspected areas of disability.

Sample Evaluation Request Letter

Copy and paste this text. Fill in the bracketed information.

Date: [Today's Date] To: [Principal's Name] and/or Director of Special Education School District: [Name of District] Re: Request for Special Education Evaluation Child: [Child's Name] DOB: [Child's Date of Birth] Grade: [Current Grade] Dear [Name], I am writing to formally request a comprehensive initial evaluation for my child, [Child's Name], to determine if they are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I am requesting this evaluation because I suspect my child has a disability that is affecting their educational performance. My specific concerns include: - [Concern 1: e.g., struggles with reading fluency] - [Concern 2: e.g., emotional regulation/meltdowns in class] - [Concern 3: e.g., difficulty focusing on tasks] Please consider this letter my formal consent to evaluate. I look forward to receiving the assessment plan and procedural safeguards within the timeline mandated by state law. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

How long does the school have to respond?

Short answer: Federal law requires a response within a "reasonable time," but most states set a specific timeline (usually 10 to 15 school days) for the district to either provide a consent form to start testing or a written refusal.

Note that this timeline is for the response to your letter, not the evaluation itself. The evaluation itself typically must be completed within 60 calendar days (or 45 school days, depending on your state) after you sign the consent form.

Can a school refuse to evaluate my child?

Short answer: Yes, but they cannot just say "no" verbally. They must provide "Prior Written Notice" (PWN) explaining exactly why they believe an evaluation is unnecessary. You have the right to challenge this refusal through mediation or due process.

Schools often use "RTI" (Response to Intervention) as a reason to delay testing. However, the U.S. Department of Education has stated clearly: RTI cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation for special education.

What happens after I request an evaluation?

Short answer: The school will review existing data and either provide an "Assessment Plan" for you to sign or deny the request. Once you sign the consent form, the timeline for completing evaluations (usually 60 days) officially begins.

What should parents do next?

  1. Send the Letter: Use the template above. Send it via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested, or email it and request a "Read Receipt."
  2. Track the Date: Mark your calendar. If you are in a state with a 15-day response rule, set a reminder to follow up on day 16 if you haven't heard back.
  3. Collect Data: While waiting, gather your own data (report cards, doctor notes, work samples) to share with the evaluation team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the school have to evaluate if I have a medical diagnosis?

Not automatically. A medical diagnosis (like ADHD or Autism) does not guarantee an IEP. The school must evaluate to see if the disability impacts the child's learning. However, you should include the medical report in your request.

Can I request specific tests (like for Dyslexia)?

Yes. In your letter, you can request that the evaluation include specific assessments, such as "phonological processing" for dyslexia or "pragmatic speech" for autism. The school must evaluate in all areas of suspected disability.

Need to know the specific timeline for your state? Check our IEP State Guides.